Complications of surgery for aortic aneurysms

Both traditional surgery and surgery with stent placement for aortic aneurysms have risks and complications. Infection and bleeding can be a complication from either type of surgical procedure.

Complications of traditional surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysm may include shock, erection problems, or heart, kidney, or lung problems, which can occur with any major surgery. The risk of dying during surgery or in the following 30 days is 3% to 6%, depending on your health before surgery, where the aneurysm is located, and how much experience your surgeons have had. ¹

Although rare, an infection of the graft is a dangerous problem that requires removal of the graft. If you suffer from systemic infections or a weak immune system or use intravenous (IV) drugs, you are at greater risk for a graft infection.

Other complications include problems with the lungs and kidneys, impotence, injury to the ureter, fistulas in the bowel and gastrointestinal bleeding, leaking of the repaired aneurysm, a disruption of the lymphatic system, and reduced blood flow to the colon (colon ischemia).

Colon ischemia (reduced blood flow to the colon) may in turn result in diarrhea, blood in the stool, pain and tenderness, fever, sepsis, and unexplained rapid heartbeat (tachycardia). If there is suspicion of colon ischemia, tests should be conducted and appropriate treatment provided.

Complications of stent placement include leaking around the stent, which may lead to another stent placement or traditional surgery. Other complications may include problems from blood clots, such as a heart attack and stroke. Post-implantation syndrome might develop, which commonly occurs immediately after the procedure. Symptoms are fever, a high white blood cell count (leukocytosis), and obstructions in the blood vessels flowing to the kidneys.

Complications of surgery for thoracic aortic aneurysms include heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney failure, respiratory failure, and lower body paralysis.

Author:	Robin Parks, MS	Last Updated: March 7, 2008
Medical Review:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine David A. Szalay, MD - Vascular Surgery
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